Things to Do in Istanbul

Spanning Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a tale of two cities: A vibrant cosmopolitan metropolis that meshes European modernity with the ambience, flavors and smells of the nearby Middle East.

Istanbul's most important attribute, the sea, cuts the city into 3 sections, the most important of these being the peninsula housing Topkapi Palace and the Sultanhammet (Blue) Mosque. Further north, is the "Golden Horn", a section of water flowing into the Bosphorus and crossed by the Galata Bridge.

There are at least three places that should be visited while holidays to Istanbul. The first place is the Grand Bazaar. The Bazaar is the oldest covered market in the world, and perusing through its many stalls could take up a whole day in itself. It is best to set aside at least a few hours if you planning on visiting the Grand Bazaar, because it is easy to get lost and carried away when bargaining with shopkeepers and striking up new friendships.

Blue Mosque: Foreign tourists call as Blue Mosque because of the colour of its tens of thousands of interior blue iznik tiles, this masterful early 17th century building with its many domes and six minarets was built to compete with the Hagia Sophia across the street that had been erected almost a millenium earlier. Enjoy the peacefull atmosphere of its wide courtyard which is the biggest of all the Ottoman mosques. Free to visit except praying times.

Topkapi Palace: This great palace was the imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. Although much of the palace is not allowed to access, the daily tours of the Harem are of great interest to tourists. Open Wednesday to Monday from 09.00am to 17:00pm.

For a fantastic view of Istanbul's amazing skyline why not do it in style at the Mikla. This beautiful restaurant thanks to celeb chef Mehmet Gurs serves global-fusion food. Foie gras and porcini terrine, cherrywood-smoked lamb loin with walnut pistou, Turkish coffee, millefeuille and much more await if you can pry your eyes from the view. Accomodation Near the Mikla: The Marmara Taksim, The Marmara Pera, Pera Rose Hotel.